Bovidae
Bovidae
Bovidae (/boʊˈviːdeɪ/, from Latin: bos, "ox") is a family of cloven-hoofed, ruminant mammals typically bearing horns on their heads. The family is widespread, being native to Asia, Africa, Europe and North America, and diverse: it includes about 143 extant species and 300 known extinct species.
Etymology
The term Bovidae was first used by English naturalist John Edward Gray in 1821. It is derived from the Latin bos (ox), and the suffix -idae, used in the scientific names of animal families.
Characteristics
Members of the Bovidae family are characterized by their cloven hooves, hollow horns, and complex, four-chambered stomachs. They are typically herbivorous, feeding on grasses and other plant material. Some species, such as the water buffalo and the domestic yak, have been domesticated by humans for use in agriculture and other purposes.
Classification
The Bovidae family is divided into two subfamilies: the Bovinae and the Caprinae. The Bovinae includes the genera Bos (cattle), Bison (bison), and Bubalus (water buffalo), among others. The Caprinae includes the genera Capra (goats), Ovis (sheep), and Rupicapra (chamois), among others.
Related Terms
- Ruminant: A type of mammal that digests plant-based food by initially softening it within the animal's first compartment of the stomach, known as the rumen.
- Cloven Hoof: A hoof split into two toes.
- Horn: A permanent pointed projection on the head of various animals.
- Herbivore: An animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bovidae
- Wikipedia's article - Bovidae
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